Monday, January 15, 2024

Well, today is still the weekend, but even if the gals Sarah and Holly don’t do the link up, I still wanted to post, mkay? 

All anyone can talk about around here is the COLD. It kinda annoys me because it’s January. This is the way January is, people! She is a cold beep! 

Let’s go back to Friday. Friday was the end of the first semester and it was a decent day at school. I came home and did a few things and then got ready for Tom’s work Christmas party that is now a start of the new year party, I guess. 

I had a chance to wear this dress that I love! It was between these, black pumps, black dressy suede booties, and I wished I had a gold pump, but alas I do not. 

I didn’t take many photos, but there is a cocktail hour in the lobby, then a short video presentation, then a buffet dinner, dessert, and some dancing and games on the dance floor. 

We were some of the last to leave and got the chance to take a beautiful winter centerpiece home. Isn’t that pretty? 

When school is in session, I get really behind on responding to blog comments, so that was priority one on Saturday morning along with my devotional and coffee. 

No matter how late I go to bed (Friday night was midnight and Saturday was 11:00 – who am I?), I never can sleep much past 7:00. I love it and I hate it! 

We had gotten a dusting of snow overnight: 

Tom and I bit the bullet and went to Costco right as it was opening. He needed protein shakes and we needed tp, paper towels, dog food, and I wanted to stock up on some healthy stuff that I can only find there or that is a much better price there. 

I saw something really cute for V Day, but resisted: 

And, we were looking for a difference protein bar and saw these protein balls and someone had clearly had a tough choice to make. They had put back their amazing looking cinnamon rolls in favor of the balls, I guess. Stuff like this cracks me up on the internet and in real life!

After spending as much as my first car cost at the check out – seriously – the prices have gone up so much – I went in the wine store to see what I could see and I was happy to find a recent recommendation by a new sommelier I am following. I took it home and chilled it and I am happy to say it is a new favorite. I am following loopersomm and samanthasommelier on Instagram and trying to learn some wine stuff. This is also sold at Trader Joe’s. 

I roasted a can of garbanzo beans/ chickpeas and yum! I have wanted to try this! 

I boiled some eggs and made egg salad for lunch. It’s really good on one of these La Banderita street taco tortillas: 

I also made Erica’s farro bowl from the week and hers is better, but mine was still good! Mason also liked it. By the way, I had both kids home this weekend! They don’t have classes today, either. Do you spy my one little prune with a smear of peanut butter in it? I am trying this for cholesterol and Andrea says it works! The peanut butter definitely made it more palatable. 

I did a massive closet clean out while listening to podcasts. I decided life is too short for leggings without pockets and I had soooo many pairs, you guys. And, I wasn’t wearing a single pair of them anymore. I let myself order a new pocketed pair, too! I got the Hey Nuts brand in a bright blue from Amazon! I am excited for them to arrive. Can I tell you that I only have two pairs with pockets? I have my black ones and my fun pink and orange tropical ones that are too sheer for winter, but that I love. 

Mason had a ton of homework that he needed to do and Jack had plans with a couple of friends, so Tom and I went to eat at Waldo’s Chicken and Beer. I told Tom I just needed to get out one more time. Are you like that? Tom gets a down home country meal – forgot a photo – for like $10. He gets a quarter chicken, collard greens, pinto beans, and a little corn muffin. He loves that meal and is so happy!

I almost always get this salad. It’s really good!

We brought chicken tacos from there home for Mason and he and I watched a couple of Gilmore Girls. He loves that show and he missed it while in England. I don’t know if he could but he didn’t try. 

We woke up to another little dusting! I hate missing it and love watching it snow, so I hope for at least one of those this winter!

Mason and I went to buy donuts at a new little donut shop we have been meaning to try, but they didn’t have a very conducive work environment so we left the donuts in the car for later and…

got tea and set to work in Heine Brothers. I worked on blog stuff and he worked on homework. We went to coffee shops a lot last winter when we could and it was so nice! 

And, the donuts were amazing! I love to support local places and share on social media. If you are local, it is called Bamboo Lou. And, they shared my IG post on their page, too! 

I made myself lunch and it hit the spot. I am trying to track and up my protein. I made the good old buffalo dip, skinny egg salad, and made chips out of La Banderita street taco tortillas. 

I indulged in an afternoon movie and feel asleep!

And that’s where I will leave you!

What was the highlight of your weekend? 

Are you a person who loves January or a person who just tries to “get through” January? I am trying to be a person who sees the beauty in the quiet and hibernation aspects of January, but it’s hard! 

Amy

35 thoughts on “Hello Monday”

  2. I love your weekend! It’s so nice that you share all pictures, I really enjoy it! How nice with the coffee shop routine with Mason, you must have missed that when he was in the UK!
    Well, I can’t say that January is my favorite month, but I love to cozy up with movies, fika and candlesticks. And this year we have a lot of snow and it’s really light and beautiful! We have been taking a lot of wintery walks, so nice!
    Weekend was fine! Both girls were home and we had a nice time! They both work extra at a coffee shop (a big chain) and we get a big discount when we have coffee there – nice!

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    1. Thank you! I try! I love it – so nice to be together in a coffee shop. I really did.
      There is something beautiful about what you described in January.
      Oh, nice and nice that they have some coffee shop perks – get it?

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  3. I am just “getting through” January and Winter for that matter…anyway…your weekend looks cozy and fun! Your nap sounds luxurious! Love you in that dress too 🙂

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    1. Yup! I’m trying to embrace but I feel like I’m getting through most of the time. I just miss outdoor time so much. I love to take a shower and then a nap for some reason. It feels decadent and my hair can air dry. Thank you!

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  4. Va va va voom in that dress. Wowzers. K girlfriend, tell me that’s a date and not a prune as stated. Lol. Icky prune and they won’t do it, gotta have dates and it looks like it is but please confirm, lol. I only do prunes if I’m bound up, lol. Yes, people complain about the cold but in 6 months they’ll be complaining about the heat, lol. It is definitely brutal up here too (-20) but this too shall pass. Just want everyone to be safe. Love and hugs to you on the week ahead.

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    1. It’s a date – I swear! Sun sweet pitted dates!
      Lol!
      Is that correct? Or do you have a brand you recommend?
      Thank you – love this dress!
      So true about the cold!

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      1. Yes babe dates, it just said prune so I was like nooooo Amy don’t. Lol. The Trader Joe’s pitted dates in the fridge section are my go to but if you find Royal Palms at Marshall’s or TJ MAXX, they have pits but they’re my fav.

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  5. I am definitely a person who loves January! It does seem like a long month, but I always consider it a time of rest for both us and the earth, since the days are short. I love being at home and all cozy at an early hour, I read more, I burn my candles more, we have fires almost every night…all of these things make my heart so happy. I try to embrace all the seasons, actually, and the different months. There’s something to love about them all!

    Those donuts look amazing! I love them so much, but I never eat them. I love that you and Mason are starting your Saturday mornings up again; I know you missed that special time with him! He is such a quality time person, and I love hearing you talk about both him and Jack. I love their differences, too. All mine are the same as yours, very different but each loveable in his own way. I need some longer leggings, and will probably find some at Walmart again. I’ve loved the ones that I told you about! I have been wearing them as lounge clothes during the colder months! I love how bright and fun they are, and I’d love some that are similar with the pockets. I do also love pockets in leggings! They’re so convenient. I shopped a bit this weekend, too, and finally found some tennis shoes that I love. I’ll share them this week!

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    1. I’m getting there! I do all those things and it really does help.
      I have maybe 3 donuts a year and try to make them worth it! When Mason is home, he really likes to do this with me. I just don’t say no when either of them ask to spend time. It’s always “heck yes”!
      I should do more leggings as lounge pants, but I am enjoying my Walmart pjs too much and my fave Gap sleep pants. I can’t wait to see your tennis shoes. I am trying to call them sneakers but tennis shoes is what I always called them! I am considering a new pair since I am embracing the trend and my feet are just so much happier. I am thinking about a bit of a platform for my next pair.

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  6. Great post! That’s a beautiful winter centerpiece. I don’t mind January – I’m a homebody so being home when it’s cold and bleak outside is cozy. I try to run errands on the days when it’s a little less bleak though!

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    1. Thank you! I thought so! It’s hard for me not to go at least one place per day, I guess. I really enjoy being cozy, though. That’s a great strategy and it’s all what you get used to. I try to bundle my errands and do them all at once!

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  7. I have to avoid the bakery at Costco or I’ll end up with baked goods I don’t need! Costco and Target are my weaknesses 🙄 I have learned to love Jan. I like getting organized for the year, decluttering my house, making goals and moving into my new planner.

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    1. Right? I am a sucker for a baked good. I can turn down candy, boxed treats, etc., but homemade or bakery made is hard. I am doing all that, too. January feels better this year for some reason!

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  8. I made egg salad for lunch today too… It is zero points and it is one of my busy Kitchen recipe that she just posted yesterday. She has it tagged for one point but when I put it into my recipe builder, it came out as zero. I like January because I love the start start of a new year and my house is all fresh and I’d like to go and do a lot of purging in my closet but over the last couple of years I have really gotten everything pared down so much and I love it. we leave on Wednesday for a week in Cabo with our country club and several other clubs throughout the central Valley. The temperatures should be in the low to mid 80s and now our travel besties are going with us and I could not be more excited. I better get myself dressed and work out and then finish putting out my clothes for my suitcase. Enjoy your day off.

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    2. So good! Yes, love all her recipes and I take many of them as ideas and make my own. I am doing that, too. I am wanting more space and less clutter. Oh, how fun – enjoy Cabo!

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  9. We are in a cold snap here. I’m not a fan, but try not to complain. We almost always get icy roads when it drops this cold, so we just stay home. I laughed at the Costco decision making photo.

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    1. Thank you! It is the brand Jodifl and you can’t buy it retail I am pretty sure. Here is the link to my boutique that sells it and the animal blouses. They are down for maintenance right now, though. http://www.shoptunies.com

      Do you have any little boutiques in your town? I bet if you do they might sell this brand.

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  13. I do not love January! It’s too gray for me. I always choose warm and sunny, but if I have to pick one of those sunny gets me through a cold day. I enjoy watching the snow fall, too! I do a number of things to stay positive and afloat in January – get outside, sunshine on my cheeks, candles in the windows, pjs as soon as possible every day, and meet up with friends for exercise. I love a company party and that centerpiece is gorgeous! I think your coffee/tea shop and work ritual with Mason is so lovely! Have a great week!

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    1. Right? This year has been quite sunny and it’s flying by for me so far. Those are all great strategies! I think it helps that we have to get out and go to school!

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  14. You look fabulous in that dress…your hair is amazing! I remember going to my husband’s work parties. They never held them at Christmas. I sometimes wondered if it wasn’t less expensive to have them after the New Year. I think you and Mason going to a coffee shop to work is such a wonderful thing to do. And, those donuts…oh, I can’t remember the last time I had a donut. I am trying to up my protein. I really struggle with it because I’m not a big meat eater, and eggs give me heartburn. Why, oh why can’t bread be high in protein and super duper good for you?

    Hmmm…I took photos for the blog, wrote an entire blog post, and started another. We did stay in most of the weekend because of the cold and wind. I don’t mind the cold, but we could at least have lots of snow with it! Today, when I was taking the dog outside, I heard sandhill cranes flying overhead. I love to watch and listen to them.

    Have a wonderful week, Amy!

    https://marshainthemiddle.com/

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    1. Thank you! Maybe so? I think his company who usually had it around December 7-10 thought people were too busy.
      I think visiting different coffee shops is a fun thing to do in winter and I suggested it to my students, too! I only have about 3 donuts a year and make sure they are the good kind!
      I don’t know that I would recognize a sandhill crane. I will ask Tom!

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    1. I am a get through January, be tricked by February, enjoy March but be shocked by how cold it can still be girl! Ha! February is traditionally when we get the most snow around here. People always think it’s January.
      Ah, donuts! Yes, it was very nice!

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